I've learned more traveling, interning with law firms, and conversing with politicians than I ever could have during 4 years of undergrad....so I don't think its a big deal. I'm sure the decision makers at Harvard can spot talent a little better than all of us.

I don't think the B-School at Harvard has to worry about its reputation being "diluted". In terms of undergraduates: many Tier 1 nationally ranked research universities and LACs have been known to accept high-powered hs juniors into their BA/BS programs without the benefit of a hs diploma. Both my father and brother matriculated into MIT each after their 11th grade of hs. A classmate of my daughter did the same for Wellesley last year. You can find this issue specifically addressed in the application packets. Some colleges have accepted 12 year olds.

Other colleges and unis provide the opportunity to apply for a 6 year BS/MD, 5 year BA/MPP or MA, 6 year BA/JD programs. They are basing these acceptances on hs performance. Of course the students have to maintain a certain GPA, but usually the GRE/LSAT/MCATS are not required of these students.

There are certain exceptions to any rule. Harvard can accept anyone it wants to. I have no problem as long as the exception is for a good reason.

Being an aide to an alum, who happens to be President, is not a good reason in my opinion.

If someone can prove that this guy in a genious or prodigy, that's one thing.

All that has been mentioned so far is that he is a college dropout with friends in very high places.

Show that he is more deserving than those people who have applied themselves and played the game as the others must, and I'll understand.

But doesn't those programs have a lot of requirements? I remember that when I started college, we were told that after our junior year we could go straight to medical school--totally bypassing our bachelor's, but the catch was that if we were to drop out of medical school, we would NOT have our bachelor's, and we'd have to start all over again.

All i'm saying is that, ok this guy might have been an absolute genius. A sort of "child prodigy" if you will, or this guy could have been a total dipshit. One that can't tell whether he farted or burped, because he doesn't know which is which.

And why bring up affirmative action? Was it really necessary to go there? Fine...i'm an under represented minority and I worked DAMN HARD to get where I am, and all I ask is that others do the same.

Its not a question about race, religion or creed...or even who the president is at the time, its a question of smarts. Did the guy really have enough smarts to get in?

I brought up affirmative action because people are concerned about this kid getting into school for a reason other than academic performance.

I also think you guys are downplaying what it is to be PA to a President.

What's so "high and mighty" about being a PA? I mean, i'm not trying to sound rude or anything, but i've never had any experience in that area, so I dont know.

Have you been a PA to a President before?

"To a President"...You act as though its just any ole assistant position. You're working in close contact on a daily basis with the most powerful people in the world. The top white house journalists would dream of such access to the inner workings of the executive branch. Maybe you guys just aren't political/government/history junkies like I am, but I'd quit law school to go do it...in a heartbeat.

In all honesty (crucify me if you will), I think being a PA to the President is like any ol' assistant position. I don't know the "inner workings" of what happens, and I have no basis of comparison. But, I don't treat anyone any different. I'd treat the President the same way i'd treat anyone else, so I guess your right...to me its not that big of a thing.

if you get into a law school without a bachelor's degree, then let me know so i can sign on the dotted line. it's not about learning, it's about minimum requirements.

I imagine you also have the opportunity to be around when things happen, learn the process involved, talk to various people in positions of power...I guess people just aren't as politically minded as me. I was in awe half the time I was doing a congressional internship, so assistant to the President would be incredible in my mind.

so these are the equivalent of a freshman drop out?

apparently walking dogs and holding mints replaces a bachelor's.

You guys are ridiculous.

http://www.calbar.org/pub250/b/s0080-a.htm

Actually if you look at (e)(2)(iii) and (iv) of this rule, you can work in a law firm or for a judge instead of going to law school (in California).

I don't think that anyone's saying (well at least I'm not saying) that holding mints, making PB&J or walking dogs is sufficient to qualify someone for anything....except another job as a personal assistant.